The growing opioid crisis necessitates an ongoing need to educate the public about the danger of abusing medications. This includes promoting awareness of the importance of proper disposal of unwanted and unused medications. Such work is an important element of DEA-backed drug Take Back days.

The Leawood Police Department conducted its most-recent Take Back day on April 28. During the campaign, Leawood Police department representatives collected 171 pounds of unwanted prescription medications and filled four 55-gallon trash bags with empty pill bottles.

Through Nextdoor, a free private social network for neighborhood communities, the City of Leawood posted information about the event along with tips for the proper disposal of medications that were out of date or no longer of use. Citizens who were unable to participate in the event can drop off unwanted and expired medications any time in the lobby of the Leawood Police Department, 4025 Town Center Drive in Leawood.